Demonstrators

Some of the things you need to know about turning your hobby into a real business.

A panel discussion and question and answer period featuring six experienced blacksmiths whom have operated successful metal working business.

Panelists are:

  • Dorothy Stiegler, Stiegler Metal Design, Volcano, California
  • Brent Bailey, Brent Bailey Forge Tools, Orland, California
  • Greg Eng, GEM Studios, Vista, California
  • Dan Jennings, Traditions in Iron, Chandler, Arizona
  • Doug Kluender, The Lost Arc Metal Design, Phoenix, Arizona
  • Ron Stafford, Farrier, RK Stafford Tool Co. Clements, California

Doug will serve as panel moderator and will have questions to prompt discussion if the audience becomes shy.

Format: Two two to three hour sessions. This is designed so panelists and audience members have the opportunity to participate in other conference activities.

Each of the panelists will give a brief description of their work. They will discuss how they went about going into business and how their business is organized. They will discuss the most important factors in maintaining a successful business.

Following these presentations, the panelists will discuss key business factors and answer questions from the audience. We anticipate a lively and wide-ranging discussion of business philosophy and practices.

This workshop is not intended as a step by step, paint by numbers formula for operating a Blacksmithing business. Instead it is designed to provoke discussion and critical thinking about key business practices.

Topics: The following list includes issues the panelists have indicated that they wish to discuss. It is not exclusive. We anticipate that many other issues will be raised during the panel.

  • Lessons learned
  • Marketing and competition
  • Business goals, planning and education
  • Building a support structure
  • Dependable sources
  • Supplier and client relationships
  • Working outside of your comfort zone
  • Promoting your business
  • Qualifying the client
  • Business ethics
  • Scheduling the work
  • Realistic deadlines
  • Being clear about your role
  • What worked and what didn't in my business
  • Intuition and warning signs when dealing with clients
  • Passion for the craft
  • Resolving conflicts between artistic values and good business
  • Dealing with architects, designers and contractors
  • Regulatory matters, licenses, permits, bonds, guarantees
  • Insurance, accounting, taxes and other pesky details